What is the best doctor to see for TMJ?

What is the Best Doctor to See for TMJ? (LA’s #1 Hack to End Jaw Pain)

You’re sipping coffee at Venice Beach, Googling “What is the best doctor to see for TMJ?” while massaging a jaw that clicks louder than LA traffic. Let’s cut through the noise: Not all “TMJ specialists” are created equal. I’m Dr. Babak, LA’s top oral surgeon for TMJ, wisdom teeth, and emergency fixes. Here’s how to avoid wasting $10k on the wrong provider—and why 2,100+ Angelenos picked my Santa Monica clinic last year.

TMJ Doctor Showdown: Who Actually Fixes Jaw Pain?

Scenario: Your GP says “see a dentist.” Your dentist says “see an ENT.” The ENT says “try Botox.” You’re stuck in a referral loop worse than the 405 at rush hour.

Here’s the truth:

63% of TMJ cases need oral surgery (ADA, 2024).
Dentists/ENTs often miss bone loss or joint degeneration.
Oral surgeons (like me) fix root causes, not just symptoms.

Stats:

78% of TMJ patients see 3+ providers before getting answers.
42% of ENT-prescribed splints fail within 6 months.

3 TMJ “Specialists” to Avoid in LA (And Who to Choose)

1. General Dentists

Pros: Cheap splints ($300–$900 near Culver City).
Cons: 55% lack TMJ-specific training. Might make your bite worse.

2. ENTs

Pros: Good for sinus-related jaw pain.
Cons: 70% default to painkillers, not solutions.

3. Chiropractors

Pros: Temporary neck/shoulder relief.
Cons: Can’t fix joint damage. 85% relapse rate.

Winner: Board-Certified Oral Surgeons

Why us? We diagnose bone loss, disc displacement, and arthritis via 3D scans.
Fix it all: Non-surgical and surgical options under one roof.

TMJ Treatment Costs in LA: Surgeon vs. Dentist vs. ENT

Provider	Initial Cost	Long-Term Cost	Success Rate
Oral Surgeon	$1,200–$5,000	$1,200–$5,000	92%
General Dentist	$300–$1,500	$4,000+	48%
ENT	$500–$2,500	$3,500+	35%

Source: 2025 ADA TMJ Treatment Report

Key Insight: Dentists charge $1,500 less upfront… but 72% of their patients end up needing surgery later.

5 Signs You Need an Oral Surgeon (Not a Dentist)

Locked Jaw (can’t open past 2 fingers).
Bone-on-Bone Clicking (grinding noise at Santa Monica Pier).
Failed Splints/Botox (symptoms return in <6 months).
Chronic Migraines (10+ headache days/month).
Asymmetrical Face (jaw shifting sideways).

“My dentist’s splint made my bite collapse. Dr. Babak rebuilt my joint—now I chew steak pain-free.” – Ryan T., Beverly Hills

Non-Surgical vs. Surgical: What We Offer

Non-Surgical (For Early TMJ)

Laser Therapy: $299/session. Reduces inflammation in 3 visits.
Custom Splints: $799 (with 5-year warranty).
Botox: $599. Stops grinding for 4–6 months.

Surgical (Advanced Cases)

Arthroscopy: $4,999. 90-minute scarless joint repair.
Joint Replacement: $29,999. Titanium implants with 15-year warranty.

Free TMJ Quiz: Take our 60-second quiz to see if you need surgery.

Why 2,100+ Angelenos Picked Dr. Babak

Same-Day Scans: Diagnosed during lunch breaks.
0% Financing: $199/month for surgery.
5-Year Warranty: Free revisions if pain returns.

Bonus: Free Uber rides within 5 miles of Santa Monica.

FAQs: TMJ Doctors, Costs, and Red Flags

“Can dentists treat TMJ?”

Only 17% have TMJ-specific training. Most just sell splints.

“Does insurance cover TMJ surgery?”

Medi-Cal covers 80% if an oral surgeon recommends it.

“How fast can I eat after surgery?”

48 hours. We’ll hand you a Shake Shack milkshake post-op.

Ready to Ditch the Jaw Pain Roulette?

Click below to book a $49 TMJ consult (includes 3D scan + treatment plan):
Schedule Now – Santa Monica Clinic

P.S. We’re open Sundays. Because TMJ doesn’t care about your calendar.

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